Imagine a New England without the Puritan Oligarchy... it almost happened. In our last episode, we met the young John Mason. Navy seaman, pirate, and Colonial Governor. In this episode, we'll consider his later years. The active military service, the business ventures, his various colonial endeavors. We'll meet a man whose resume stands up to any of his contemporaries. A man who represents the other side of the colonial "coin" of the Puritan movement. From Newfoundland through the southern colonies of Maine and New Hampshire John Mason seemed to be everywhere. All the while participating in monumental fashion in both the war with Spain in 1625 and then France in 1627. His patrons and contacts included some of the most powerful and influential men of his day. He served them all with distinction, while contributing to the well being of the common man as well. Listen and see if his story does not inspire you! There are few among us that could keep his pace for a short time, let alone the 25 years he did. He died, suddenly, still in the throws of an extraordinary life, fully engaged and on his way to a new adventure. An adventure that, if completed, would have changed the English colonial landscape in New England permanently. Imagine a New England without the Puritan Oligarchy... it almost happened.

Audio Production by Podsworth Media.